Community Grievance Decision Digest

DAYROOM ACTIVITIES - TV, Radio, Etc.

THE LAW:

Each patient shall: "Have a right to a humane psychological and physical environment within the hospital facilities. These facilities shall be designed to afford patients with comfort and safety, to promote dignity and ensure privacy. Facilities shall also be designed to make a positive contribution to the effective attainment of the treatment goals of the hospital."

§ 51.61(1)(m), Wis. Stats. [Emphasis added]

"(a) Inpatients shall be provided access to current newspapers and magazines, and shall have reasonable access to radio and television upon request, except for documented security or safety reasons.

(b) An inpatient shall be allowed individual expression through music, art, reading materials and media except for any limitation that may be necessary for documented security or safety reasons.

(c) Inpatients may not be prevented from acquiring, at their own expense, printed material, a television, a radio, recordings or movies, except for documented security or safety reasons.

(d) Each inpatient shall have reasonable access to his or her own musical instruments and to art and writing supplies, along with reasonable access to appropriate space and supervision for the use of the instruments and supplies, except for documented security or safety reasons."

HFS 94.24(3), Wis. Admin. Code [Emphasis added]

DECISIONS:

None as of 8/30/04.

Last Updated: November 16, 2004